The Lumineers - Artist To Watch April 2012

April is a good month for The Lumineers. In addition to releasing their hotly anticipated eponymous debut, they've got a full schedule of selling-out shows across the U.S. Also, they're this month's Artist to Watch, following their introduction in January as a World Cafe: Next artist. Their open-hearted melodies, simple but raw lyrics, and rousing acoustic folk have earned them comparisons to Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars, and The Avett Brothers. But The Lumineers have a way of embedding fiery emotion into their music that's all their own. The group itself arose out of the ashes of tragedy (the early death of a brother and friend) and became a vehicle for introspection and catharsis. The result - rollicking, incandescent, and self-reflective - is built on a base of classical training and roots rock experience.

The Lumineers' self-titled debut is already primed for success, given the strength of "Ho Hey", the bluesgrass/country single that requires foot-stomping. The album will also feature a few songs from their EP, as well as new material, like the instant stand-out “Dead Sea”. It's been over two years since The Lumineers released their last EP, and their recent heart-warming SXSW performance also helped push them into the spotlight. Now one of Paste Magazine's Artists to Watch, it's clear that the sky is the limit for this folk trio.